This page provides general legal information about personal injury law in Fresno, California. It does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed California attorney before making any legal decisions.
Courts & Filing in Fresno
Personal injury civil lawsuits from Fresno are filed in Fresno County Superior Court at B.F. Sisk Courthouse. Government entity claims require a six-month administrative claim before any lawsuit. Complex cases may be designated under California Rules of Court Rule 3.400.
Primary civil courthouse for personal injury lawsuits from Fresno and Fresno County. Government entity claims against the City of Fresno, Fresno County, or Caltrans require a written administrative claim within six months under Government Code Section 945.4 before any lawsuit can be filed in any California court.
California Personal Injury Law in Fresno
All personal injury claims from Fresno are governed by California law: pure comparative fault (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.); the two-year statute of limitations (CCP Section 335.1); the six-month Government Claims Act deadline for government entity claims (Government Code Section 945.4); MICRA caps for medical malpractice; and uncapped economic and non-economic damages for all non-malpractice personal injury categories.
Personal Injury Context in Fresno
Fresno has fresno county superior court serves the central valley; agricultural workplace injury exposure; hwy 99 vehicle accident corridor; median income affects damages calculation patterns. These local factors create the specific personal injury risk profile of Fresno and its surrounding community, generating the personal injury claims that are litigated in Fresno County Superior Court.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Fresno
Where do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Fresno?
Personal injury civil lawsuits from Fresno are generally filed in Fresno County Superior Court at B.F. Sisk Courthouse, 2500 Tulare St, Fresno, CA 93721. Unlimited civil cases (over $35,000) are filed in the civil department. Claims against the City of Fresno, Fresno County, or other government entities require a written administrative claim within six months under Government Code Section 945.4 before any lawsuit.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Fresno?
Two years from the date of injury under CCP Section 335.1 for most personal injury claims. Medical malpractice: one year from discovery or three years from the act. Government entity claims: six months under Government Code Section 945.4. Minor victims: tolled until age 18 under CCP Section 352.
What makes Fresno a significant area for personal injury claims?
Fresno has fresno county superior court serves the central valley; agricultural workplace injury exposure; hwy 99 vehicle accident corridor; median income affects damages calculation patterns. This combination of population density, traffic volume, commercial activity, and employment creates substantial personal injury exposure across all categories of injury.
Does California's pure comparative fault apply in Fresno?
Yes. California's pure comparative fault from Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) applies throughout California, including Fresno. Recovery is reduced proportionally by the victim's fault percentage but never eliminated. This applies to all personal injury cases in Fresno County Superior Court.
What if a City of Fresno vehicle or property caused my injury?
Government entity claims against the City of Fresno or Fresno County require a written administrative claim within six months of the injury under Government Code Section 945.4. Missing this deadline permanently bars the government entity claim. For state highway defects, a claim against Caltrans must also be filed within six months.
Can I recover for pain and suffering in a Fresno personal injury case?
Yes. California imposes no cap on non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement) in non-malpractice personal injury cases. Fresno County Superior Court juries determine non-economic damage amounts based on the severity, permanence, and impact of the injuries on the victim's life. Medical malpractice non-economic damages are capped by MICRA at $470,000 (2026).
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